Review of Library 2.0: Service for the next-generation library

Library 2.0: Service for the next-generation library by Casey and Savastinuk (2006) discusses how Library 2.0 is a model to rejuvenate libraries and their services by creating a more useful and interactive environment for existing users. The authors say Library 2.0 is about "user centred change" in that it encourages users to help create physical and virtual library services and seeks feedback from these users. This concept of Library 2.0 being user centred is echoed by Chad and Miller (2005, p. 9) who state the concept means libraries can make information available wherever and whenever the user requires it.

Casey et al., see the Library 2.0 model as consisting of the following four components:
- Tapping new users through the long tail.
- Customers as collaborators.
- Technology.
- Constant change and evaluation.
These elements also feature in Biancu's model (as cited by Curran, Murray & Christian, 2007, p. 294).

Casey et al. (2007), state that libraries tend to provide "the same services and the same programs to the same groups", and that many library services will never be used by the majority of the population. They go on to say that libraries cannot physically stock everything that every user wants so they tend to stock only popular items. This is the where the long tail concept arises. The long tail is best explained by example - if a library receives 200 requests and 40 of those requests are for item x, then naturally the library will stock item x as it is popular. However the library has then not fulfilled the requests of 160 users. These users are thus the 'long tail' and ignoring them would be detrimental to a library's viability. "[T]apping new users through the long tail" means using a mixture of physical and online services to cater for all needs and to attract new users (Casey et al., 2006).

The next model component, users as collaborators, according to Casey et al. (2006) relates to users having a participatory role in services offered and how they are used. They also say customer knowledge needs to be harnessed to supplement and enhance library services. This idea of user participation was also expressed by Chad et al. (2005, p. 10) and by Lankes, Silversten and Nicholson (2007, p. 23).

Technology as a model component refers to libraries aiming for technology which can be modified to library and user needs. Casey et al. (2006) say Web 2.0 tools can be an easy and affordable way to ensure library content remains relevant by reaching out and interacting with users (Wallis, 2007, p. 7).

Lastly, the Casey et al. (2006) model consists of change and evaluation. The authors say user feedback should be routinely sought and services regularly evaluated and updated to ensure they are meeting user needs. Being Library 2.0 means evolving to keep pace with changing user needs. Services will also remain fresh by utilising new ideas and re-evaluating old ones.

This article is a good starting point for libraries considering implementing Library 2.0 practices. It provides libraries with the basic things that need to be considered to achieve Library 2.0 success and provides ideas of what libraries can do themselves. Importantly it stresses that Library 2.0 is not just about Web 2.0 technologies, it is the concepts which are important. The article also acknowledges all libraries are different but through user and staff collaboration a way to make the model work for a library can be clear.

References

Casey, M. E., & Savastinuk, L. C. (2006). Library 2.0: Service for the next
generation library. Library Journal, 14. Retrieved August 25, 2008 from http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA6365200.html?q=Library+2%2E0

Chad, K., & Miller, P. (2005). Do libraries matter?: The rise of Library 2.0.
Retrieved August 25, 2008 from the Talis website: http://www.talis.com/applications/downloads/white_papers/DoLibrariesMatter.pdf

Curran, K., Murray, M., & Christian, M. (2007). Taking the information to
the public through Library 2.0 [Electronic resource]. Library Hi Tech, 25(2), 288-297.

Lankes, R. D., Silverstein, J., & Nicholson, S. (2007). Participatory
networks: The library as conversation [Electronic resource]. Information Technology and Libraries, 26(4), 17-33.

Wallis, R. (2007). Web 2.0 to Library 2.0 – from debate to reality: A
presentation to the cpd25 conference, 23 April 2007, London [Electronic resource]. New Review of Information Networking, 13(1), 53-64.